An NHS consultant ophthalmologist has outlined four safe methods for watching the partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, as Scots prepare for the rare celestial event.
Eclipse timing and visibility in Scotland
In Scotland, the moon is expected to begin moving across the sun at around 6pm, with the partial "blackout" occurring just after 7pm. According to the Met Office, those on the Island of Barra are predicted to see the largest coverage at 93 per cent, while Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness will see just over 90 per cent of the sun covered.
Although the UK will not experience a total solar eclipse, this will be the largest since 2015.
Safety first: why direct viewing is dangerous
Looking directly at the eclipse can cause permanent damage to the retinas, even when over 90 per cent of the sun is hidden. NHS consultant ophthalmologist David Jones, speaking via the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS TikTok account, said: "I'm going to show you four different ways to safely enjoy the eclipse on August 12. Now remember, the sun is going to be very low in the sky so you will need to project the sun really quite vertically."
Four safe viewing methods
Solar eclipse glasses: The only way to view the eclipse directly is with specially designed glasses that meet the ISO standard 'ISO 12312-2' or 'ISO 12312-2:2015(E)'. Jones warned: "They are a very specific ISO standard and you should never watch the sun with anything else." Old or scratched glasses should not be used. While ordering online may be too late, some local events or museums may distribute them on the day.
Paper pinhole projector: This can be made at home with a biro, a piece of card, and white paper. Jones explained: "The second is much quicker. You will need a biro, a piece of card and a screen to project the sun onto (white paper). I'm going to make a hole in the middle of the card right here, and then I am going to cast a shadow of the sun against the screen." This projects an image of the sun onto the paper.
Colander: Jones's favourite method uses a kitchen colander. Holding it up to the sun and looking away projects multiple images of the sun onto the ground or paper.
Cardboard box projector: This more sophisticated method uses a cereal box, tin foil, paper, scissors, tape, and a pin. Jones said: "The most sophisticated way to safely look at the sun is to project the sun inside a dark box and then you see it really clearly." Attach paper inside the box, make a viewing hole and a pinhole on the opposite side, cover the pinhole with foil, and look through the viewing hole with your back to the sun.
